Ham pumping



April 18, '1.944. c. T. WALTER HAM PUMP ING Filed March 24, 1941sheets-sheet 1 A TTE5T- ATTORNEY April 1s, 1944. c. TQ WALTER HAMPUMPING 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 24, 1941 INVENTOR ATTES7- ATTORNEY,April 18, 1944- c. T. WALTER 2,346,953

HAM PUMPING Filed March 24, 1941 4 Sheel',S-Sheek' 5 1 T I A T E s BY.fkf C. mm v ORNEY HAM PUMPING Filed March 24, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 7 w5 a. 3 d af, W u .Z P, T.. 3553 M Il ma D T w ORL/II'IIIHKIHVIIII/l C y."u 9 Y f 1% J, 6 F 3 9 9 A 1 o 9 8 7 0 M j Z9 Z 3 .C 2 3 8 f 7 EL! ,1f L7 oRNEY Patented Apr. 18,1944

HAM Pomme Charles T. Walter, Chicago, Ill., asslxnor to IndustrialPatents Corporation, Chicago, lll., a

corporation of Delaware Application March 24, 1941, Serial No. 384,896

Claims. (Cl. 953-256) This invention relates to weighing scales forindicating and controlling the amount of pickling brine which issupplied to meat.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide means to accuratelycontrol the quantity of curing pickle pumped into meat.

Another object of this invention is to provide means whereby thepercentage of pickle which is pumped into the meat may be varieddepending upon the characteristics desired in the finished curedproduct.

Another object of this invention is to provide means whereby a xedquantity of uid or pickling brine may be pumped into the meat after thedesired proportional quantity has been pumped into the meat.

Another object of this invention is to provide means to reduce thepossibility of human error to a minimum andto free the operator from thenecessity of keeping a close watch of the Weighing operation.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will' become apparentfrom the description and claims which follow.

Like numerals in the several gures indicate similar parts.

Figure l is a perspective View of a scale equipped with my controlmechanism.

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the scale dial and themechanism for adjusting the control device.

Figure 3 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of details of theadjusting mechanism.

Figure l is a side View,A partly in section, of a detail ofthe adjustingmechanism.

Figure 5 is a perspective View of the valve means for controlling theflow of pickling brine through the brine line.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the optical portion of the controlsystem.

Figure 7 is a wiring diagram of the control system.

In the practice of curing meat, for example, hams, by injecting thecuring uid into the vascular system of the product, for example,according to the method disclosed and claimed in United States PatentNo. 1,951,436, the quantity of fluid'injected into the meat bears adelinite relation to the Weight cf the individual piece of meat. Thisrelationship is generally expressed as a percentage of the net weight ofthe meat. The value of this percentage varies between wide limits,depending upon the characteristics desired electrical in the finishedcured product. For example, in

.curing hams, a range of from eight per cent to twenty-live per cent isemployed in commercial practice, depending upon the individual hams andthe type of ham which it is desired to produce.

In accordance with conventional practice of the method described andclaimed in United States Patent No. 1,951,436, the operator is requiredto carry out certain mental operations and several physical operationsmanually. The operator rst places a ham on the weighing platform of thescale to determine Aits net weight. The' injection needles or hypodermicneedles are attached to the ham at the desired location, the scalesbeing loaded or counterbalanced to correct for the weight of the needlesand other attachments. The operator then notes the net weight of the hamand must consult a chart to determine the quantity of curing fluid whichit is desired to pump into the ham. After this quantity has beendetermined from the chart, the operator must open a valve to admit thecuring pickle to the ham. The operator then must constantly watch thescale pointer and must Watch the increase in weight of the ham as theinjection proceeds. When the scale pointer has indicated that thedesired quantity of iiuid has been pumped into the ham, the operatormust quickly close the valve to arrest the ow of fluid through theinjection needle. In the case of certain types of hams, it is requiredto inject a fixed quantity of curing fluid into the lean portion of theham which is not connected to the main vascular system. After the bulkof the curing fluid has been pumped into the ham through the vascularsystem, the operator must then carefully note the weight indicated bythe scale needle and must then open a second valve. The desired fixedquantity of uid is then determined by carefully observing the increasein weight as indicated by the scale needle. When the desired quantityhas been pumped into this portion of the ham, the second valve isclosed.

It is apparent that the opportunity for error is exceedingly great. Theoperator may make an error in consulting the chart to determine thequantity of curing fluid to be pumped into the ham and may make errorsin closing and opening the valves whereby smaller or greater quantitiesof uid are pumped into the ham than are desired. It is also possiblethat the operator may operate the wrong valve and thereby pump the bulkof the curing iluid into the lean portion of the ham. It is apparentthat the operator must constantly watch the scale needle and, therefore.

cannot prepare a second ham while the first ham is being pumped.

'Ihe present inventio'n contemplates the provision of a control deviceadapted for use with standard types of weighing scales whereby the usualmental operation and physical operations required of the operator arereduced to a minimum. The operator may attach the pumping needle to'theham before the ham is placed upon the platform of the scale and whilethe apparatus is automatically1 pumping curing fluid into another ham onthe scale platform. After the ham is placed on the platform, theoperator merely makes an adjustment whereby an indexing pointer isbrought into register with the scale pointer. The operator thendepresses a switch member, and the curing uid is automatically pumpedinto the ham in proportion to the initial weight of the ham, afterwhich,if desired, a small xed quantity of fluid may be pumped into the leanside of the ham. While the fluid is being pumped into the ham on theweighing platform, the operator may prepare a second ham for the pumpingoperation by attaching the pumping or injection needle to the secondham.

In the apparatus illustrated in the drawings, scale I is mounted ontable 2. Scale I is pro-J vided with a scale platform 3 and a scale facehousing 4 in which the scale face or scale dial 8 and pointer 6 ismounted. A small mirror I (Figure 2) is mounted on the pointer 6 at theend opposite from the reading end of the pointer. The purposes of themirror will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

A cylindrical housing 8 is secured to the `forward face of scalefacehousing 4. A spider 9 is mounted rigidly within housing 8 and supportsthe shaft II) (Figure 2) in a position which is coaxial with the axis ofpointer 6. Tubular shaft I i is mounted rotatably on shaft I0.' SleeveI2 is in` turn mounted rotatably on tubular shaft II. Indexing pointerI3 is rigidly mounted on tubular shaft II at the end of the tubularshaft adjacent scale pointer 6. Helical pinionv I4 is attached securelyto the other end of tubular shaft I I Helical pinion I5 is mountedsecurely on sleeve I2. An arm I6 is mounted securely on sleeve i2adjacent the inner end of the sleeve. An optical or photoelectric unitII is mounted rigidly at the end of arm I6. Arm I6 and photoelectrlcunit I1 maybecounterbalanced by means of a counterweight I6. Arm I6 isbent inwardly, as illustrated in Figure 4,

l so that the photoelectrlc unit l'i will come `into close proximitytomirror 1.

Helical gear I3 meshes with helical pinion I4 at right angles, thehelical gear being supported on shaft 2li, which is at right angles toshaft I8. A spur gear 2I is mounted on the outwardly projecting end ofshaft 20 and is secured to thev small extent by thumb screws 23 of yoke22 and 70 lug 24a which is secured to or integral with spur gear 2 I.

Helical gear 24 meshes with helical pinion I5 and is supported on shaft25, which is disposed at `a right angle to the shaft I9. Adjacent theeut- 75 wardly extending end of shaft 26 is mounted securely a spur gear26. Helical gear 24 and helical pinion I6 are identical in constructionso that` wheel 21 is mounted securely on the outwardlyv I projecting endof shaft 25.

Idler pinion 23 meshes with spur gear 2| and spur gear 26 and therebyconnects operatively the shafts 20 and 25.

Since the apparatus is to be employed in locations where the atmospherecontains large amounts of water vapor and since curing pickle. which isemployed in curing meats, is corrosive, I prefer to enclose spur gears2l and 26 and the idler pinion 28 in a waterproof and vaporproof gearbox 29. Idler pinion 28 is mounted in operative relationship with thespur gears by means of an adjustable plate, 30. A pin 3I is secured to.a spoke of the hand wheel 21, which cooperates with stop plate 32,which is rigidly secured to 'the gear box 29 whereby the rotation ofshafts 25 and 20 are limited to substantially one complete revolution.It is apparent that as hand wheel 21 is rotated, shaft 25, idler pinion28 and shaft 29 are rotated. The angular rotation of shaft 20 withrespect to the angular rotation of shaft 26 is obviously dependent uponthe relationship between the number of teeth in spur gear 26 withrespect to the number of teeth in spur gear 2 I.

The photoelectrlc unit I'I consists essentially of a photoelectrlc cell33, a light source 34, and a condenser lens system 35 (Figure 6), whichis adapted to be adjusted to produce a sharp narrow spot or line oflight at the focal point of the system which coincides with the plane ofthe mirror 1. Whenever any part of mirror 'I is in a position whereby itintercepts light from the light source 34, the light will be reflectedinto photoelectrlc tube 33. The photoelectrlc unit I'I is connectedelectrically with control unit 36 (Figure 1), which is in turn connectedelectrically to solenoids 31 and 38 (Figure 5), which are adapted tocontrol the flow of curing pickle through the lines 39 and 40,containing valves 4I and 42. Flexible lines 43 and 44 and flexible lines45 and 46 are connected to valves 4I and 42, respectively. Lines 43, 44,45, and 46 may be of heavy rubber tubing and are fitted with pumpingneedles 41 (Figure 1). Valves 4I and 42 are adapted to permit the curinguid to flow through lines 43 and 45 or 44 and 46. -Two pairs of flexibletubings are provided so that the operator may insert the pumping needlesinto one ham during the period in which the curing pickle is pumped intothe other ham. The pairs of flexible tubings are opened to lines 39 and40 simultaneously by operating valves 4I and 42 through levers 48 and49, respectively, and hand bar 50.

Assuming for the purposes of illustration that it is desired to injectinto the ham ten per cent curing pickle, based on the weight of the ham,and that it is desired to inject into the lean side of the ham threeounces ofcuring pickle after the desired proportional amount has beeninjected, valve 4I is employed to control the injection of the ten percent quantity, and valve 42 is employed in injecting the fixed quantity,namely, the three ounces of curing pickle. After the scale has come torest and the pointer 6 indicates the weight of the ham, valve 4l isopened to permit injection of the proportional quantity of curing pickleinto the ham. It is desired to arrest the iiow of curing pickle or closevalve 4I after ten per cent pickle has been pumped into the ham.Photoeleetric cell 33 controls the closing of valve 4I and should,therefore, receive reflected light from mirror 1 at the instant thescale indicates that the weight on the scale platform has beenincreased-ten per cent, based on the net weight of the ham. Since mirror1 is diametrically opposite the indicating end ofpointer 6, the focalpoint of the optical or photoelectric unit I1 should be advanced withrespect to mirror 1 an amount equivalentto ten per cent of the netweight of the ham.

Photoelectric unit I1 is positioned by placing indexing pointer I3 inregister with the indicating end of pointer 6. For any given angulardisplacement of indexing pointer I3, photoelectric unit I1 must be movedthrough an angular distance equal to the angular displacement ofindexing pointer I3 plus ten per cent of the angular motion of indexingpointer I3. The proportional movement of indexing pointer I3 ofphotoelectric unit I1 is secured through the relationship between thenumber of teeth in spur gears 2l and 26. -As a matter of convenience,assume that spur gear 26 has one hundred teeth. Spur gear 2I, therefore,has one hundred plus ten per cent of one hundred, or one hundred tenteeth. Idler pinion 28 may have any convenient number of teeth, thispinion merely being provided to form an operative connection betweenspur gears 2l and 26. Assuming that spur gear 2I makes one completerevolution, one hundred ten teeth pass a given fixed point. Spur gear 26through idler pinion 26 will, therefore, also rotate through an angulardisplacement suilcient to move one hundred ten teeth past a given fixedpoint. Spur gear 26, therefore, will rotate one full revolution plus tenper cent of acomplete revolution. In other words, for any given angulardisplacement of spur gear 2I, spur gear 26 will rotate one hundred tenper cent of the given angular displacement of spur gear 2|. As wasexplained before, indexing pointer I3 rotates through the same angulardisplacement as does spur gear 26. Photoelectric unit I1 carried on armI6 will be displaced an 'angular distance equal to the angulardisplacement of spur gear 26. It is apparent, therefore, that thephotoelectric unit I1 will be rotated an angular distance equal to onehundred ten per cent of the angular rotation of indexing needle I3.

The operator inserts pumping needles 41 into ham 5I and places or slidesthe ham from platform 52 onto scale platform 3. The tare or weight ofpumping needles 41 and flexible tubings 43 r and 45 is counterbalancedor compensated by adjustment of the balance weight 53 (Figure 1). Scaleneedle 6 will, therefore, indicate the net weight of ham 5I.v Theoperator then rotates hand wheel 21 through an angular distancesufficient to rotate indexing needle I3 to bring the indexing pointerinto register with the scale needle 6. Photoelectric unit I1 will,therefore, be rotated through an angular distance ten per cent greaterthan the angular distance through which dexing pointer I3 andphotoelectric cell I1 through their respective gears and 'associatedshafts. In the zero position of the photoelectric unit I1, a very slightmovement of the mirror will cause a reflection of the lightI from lightsource 34 into photcelectric cell 33. The magnitude of the minimummotion of the mirror required to reflect the light into thephotoelectric cell is a measure of the sensitiveness of the controlsystem. This sensitiveness depends in a large measure upon'thenarrowness or sharpness of the light at the plane of mirror 1.

' The ham placed upon the scale platform 3 will cause the pointer 6 toassume a position, for example. a position as illustrated by the brokenlines in Figure 2. Indexing pointer I3 is then rotated into a positionin which it registers with the scale pointer 6 by means of the handwheel 21. The photoelectric unit lI1 will be moved through an anglewhich is ten per cent greater than the angle' through which scalepointer 6 and indexing pointer I3 have moved. The focal point of theoptical system will have been moved to a position in advance of theleading edge of mirror 1 yby an amount which is equal to the distancebetween the initial weight of the ham and the desired final weight ofthe ham after the proportional quantity of curing fluid has been pumpedinto the ham After the operator has aligned indexing pointer I3 withscale pointer 6, solenoid valve 31 is opened and light source 34 isilluminated through relay control unit by the operator depressingstarting switch 54 (Figure 1). The relay control unit 36. as will bedescribed hereinafter, is so designed that the solenoid valve 31 willremain open as long as no light is reflected into photoelectric cell 33.When the weight of the ham has been increased sufciently to bring theleading edge of mirror 1 into a position coincident with the focal pointof the optical system of the photoelectric unit, light is reflected intophotoelectric cell 33. Since the focal point of the photoelectric unitis advanced with respect to mirror 1, a distance equivalent to aproportional amount of the weight of the ham, valve 31 will remain opento permit the flow of curing pickle into the ham until the desiredproportional amount has been added to the weight of the ham. Lightstriking photoelectric'cell 33 operates the relay control unit 36 toclose solenoid valve 31 and simultaneously open solenoid valve 38. Valve3B controls the flow of pickle into the intermuscular injection needleor the injection needle which is thrust into the lean portion of theham. The relay control unit 36 isso designed that valve 36 remains openas long as light is reflected into photoelectric cell 33. The quantityof fluid which indexing pointerv I3 has been moved. In adjusting thezero setting of the apparatus, indexing pointer I3 is brought intoregister with'pointer 6 at the zero indicia on the scale dial 5.Photoelectric unit I1 should then be positioned so that the focal pointof the light source and lens is coincident with the leading edge ofmirror 1. Thumb screws 23 on yoke 22 permit a flne adjustment of theangular relation between spur gear ZI and shaft 20 and. therefore,between inisl pumped through the valve while it is open is dependentupon the width of mirror 1. For example, if it is desired to injectabout three ounces of curing fluid after `the desired proportionalquantity has been injected into the ham, the angular width of mirror 1is equivalent to a dif- 'ferential of three ounces on scale dial 5. ASthis additional quantity of curing fluid is pumped into the ham, thescale pointer will be moved and as the trailing edge of mirror 1 passesbeyond the focal point of the optical unit of photoelectric unit I1, thephotoelectric cell will become de-energized. At the same time, the valve36 is closed and light source 34 is extinguished so that valves 31 and38 will not unavoidably become opened. The relay control 36 isautomatically reset'and ready for a second cycle. The operator thenremoves ham from the' scale platform and places ham 55 upon the scaleplatform.

, When the pumping cycle 'of ham 55 is begun, the

operator removes pumping needle 41 from ham 5| and inserts the needleinto a third ham.

, The wiring diagram of the control unit 36 .and its connection with thephotoelectric cell 33, light source 34, and solenoid valves 31 and 38 isillustrated in Figure 1. The relays are shown in their normal position,namely, with their holding coils not energized. In the position of theelements, as illustrated in Figure '1, solenoid valves 31 and 38 areboth closed, and the control unit is prepared for the start of thepumping cycle. At the end of any cycle and up to the time of thebeginning of another cycle, pilot light 56 remains illuminated andserves as an indication that the control system is inoperative. Thepilot light receives its power from lines 51 and 58 through conductor59, relay leaf 68 of relay 6|, contact point 62, conductor 63, conductor64, contact point 65, relay leaf 66 of relay 61, and conductor 68.

As was pointed out before, after the ham is placed upon scale platform 3and indexing pointer I3 has been moved into register with scale pointer6, the operator depresses switch 54. On closing of switch 54, currentflows from line 51 through conductor 69, switch 54, conductor 18, relaycoil 1|, conductor 12 and line 58, thereby energizing relay coil 1| ofrelay 6L Upon energization of relay coil 1|, relay leaf 68 and relayleaf 13 are drawn toward the arma.- ture of relay coil 1|. Relay leaf 68is thereby moved from contact point 62 to contact point 14, and relayleaf 13 is moved from1 stop 15 to contact point 16. As relay leaf 68is'moved from contact point 62, the circuit through pilot light 56 isbroken and the pilot light is extinguished. As relay leaf 68 contactscontact point 14, current ows from line 51 through conductor 59, relayleaf 68, contact point 14, conductor 11, solenoid valve 31, conductor18, conductor 12, and line 58, thereby opening valve 31. As relay leaf13 of relay 6| contacts contact point 18,

current flows from line 51 through conductor 19, conductor 88, contactpoint 16, relay leaf 13, conductor 8|, primary 82 of transformer 83,conductor 84, and conductor 85, to line 58, thereby illuminating lightsource 34 through the secondary 86 of transformer 83 to which the lightsource is connected directly.

When switch 54 is released or opened, relay coil 1| of relay 6| remainsenergized since current ows from line 51 through conductor 19,`conductor'ii, contact point 16, relay leaf 13, conductor 81, relay leaf88 of relay 61, contact point 89, conductor 98, relay coil 1|, conductor12, to line 58. Through this holding circuit the relay 6| remainsenergized and solenoid valve 31 remains open after switch 54 is releasedor opened. Solenoid valve 31 remains open as long as relay 6| isenergized. Relay 6| becomes cie-energized when light is reflected fromlight source 34 into photoelectric cell 33 by means of mirror 1.

Aswas explained before, photoelectric unit |1 is advanced with respectto the leading edge of Vmirror 1 an amount which is equal to the desiredproportion of curing fluid which it is desired to pump into the ham.Solenoid 31 will, therefore, remain open until the gross weight on thescale platform has reached a point at which the leading edge of mirror 1reects light from light source 34 to photoelectric cell 33. As soon asthe leading edge of mirror 1 coincides with the focal point of theoptical system of photoelectric unit I1, light is reflected from thelight source I into the photoelectric cell. Photoelectric cell 33 isconnected electrically to photoelectric relay 8|. When photoelectriccell 33 is illuminated, relay coll 92 becomes energized. Energization ofrelay coil 92 causes relay leaf 93 to move from stop 94 to contact leaf95. Current then ows from line 51 through conductor 96, conductor 91,relay leaf 93, contact leaf 95, conductor 98, relay coil 99, conductor68 to line 58, thereby energizing relay coil 99 of relay 61.Energization of relay 61 causesrelay leaf 88 to move from contact point89 to contact point |88. Movement of relay leaf 88 from contact point 89to |88 opens the circuit from line 51 through conductor `19, conductor88, contact point 16, relay leaf 13, conductor 81, relay leaf 88,contact point 89, conductor 98, relay coil 1|, and conductor 12 to line58, thereby deenergizing relay coil 1| of relay 6|. De-energization ofrelay coil 1| causes relay leaf 68 to drop from contact point 14 tocontact point 62 and relay leaf 13 from contact point 16 to contactpoint 415. Movement of relay leaf 68 from contact point 14 to contactpoint 62 opens the circuit from line 51 to conductor 59, relay leaf 68,contact point 14, conductor 11, solenoid valve 31, conductor 18,conductor 12 to line 58and thereby de-energizes solenoid valve 31,whereby the valve is closed. Closing of valve 31 arrests the flow ofcuring fluid to the ham. At the time valve 31 is closed the desiredproportional quantity of curing fluid has been pumped into the ham.

Movement of relay leaf 66 from contact point 65 to contact point |8|causes current to ow from line 51 through conductor |82, solenoid valve38, conductor |83, switch point |84, main switch |85, conductor |86,contact point |8|, relay leaf 66, and conductor 68 to line 58, therebyenergizing the solenoid of solenoid valve 38 and opening valve 38.Opening of solenoid valve 38 permits curing ud to flow through line 85and into the ham. Relay coil 99 of relay 61 remains energized as long aslight is reflected into the photoelectric cell 33. Consequently,solenoid valve 38 is held in open position as long as light Y isreflected from the light source 34 into the photoelectric cell 33. It isapparent, therefore, that if it is desired to pump a fixed quantity, forexample, three ounces of curing fluid into the lean portion of the ham,the angular width of mirror 1 should be equivalent to the differentialof three ounces on the scale dial.

As the curing uid is pumped into the ham, the scale needle 6 andtheattached mirror are moved in proportion to the increase in weight and asthe trailing edge of mirror 1 passes the focal point of the opticalsystem of photoelectric unit l1, photoelectric cell 33 becomes darkened.Darkening of photoelectric cell 33 causes' a deenergization ofphotoelectric relay coil 92, and relay leaf 93 moves from contact leaf95 to stop 94. This movement of relay leaf 93 opens the circuit fromline 51 through conductor 96, conductor 91, relay leaf 93, contact leaf95, conductor 98, relay coil 99, conductor 68, and line 58, therebyde-energizing relay coil 99 and allowing relay leaf 66 to drop. As relayleaf 66 moves from contact point |8| to contact point 65, the circiutfrom line 51 through conductor |82, solenoid valve 38, conductor |83,switch point |84, main switch |85, conductor |86, contact point |8|,relay leaf 65, and conductor 68 to line 58 is opened and solenoid valve38 'becomes de-energized and closes. Closing of this valve arrests theflow of curing fluid through line 45 into the ham.

As relay leaf 88 is moved from contact point to contact point 89, thecircuit from line 51 through conductor 19, contact point 00, relay leaf88, conductor 81, conductor 8|, primary 82 of transformer 83', conductor84, and conductor 85 to line 58 is opened, thereby extinguishing lightsource 34. Relay coil 89 cannot be energized, hence relay leaf 93 andcontact leaf 95 remain open as long as the photoelectric cell 33 remainsdarkened. Relay coil 1| cannot become energized unless switch 54 isclosed. Light source 34 is extinguished so thatupon removal of the hamfrom the scale platform, mirror 1 as it passes the focal point of theoptical unit of photoelectric unit |1 will not reflect light into thephotoelectric cell 33 and accidentally open valve 38.

Upon de-energization of relay coil 99 of relay 61 yand upon movement ofrelay leaf 66 from contact point |0| to contact point 65, the circuitfrom line 51 through conductor 59, relay leaf 60, contact point 62,conductor 63, pilot light 56, conductor 64, contact point 65, relay leaf66, and conductor 68 to line 58 is reestablished and the pilot light isagain iluminated, thus indicating to the operator that the pumping cyclehas been completed. The relay system is then prepared for anotherpumping cycle. The operator may then remove ham 5| from scale platform 8and place ham 55 upon the scale platform. Hand bar 50 is then moved toclose the lines 43 and 45 to valves 31 and 38 and open lines 44 and 46to valves 31 and 38, respectively. The operator then closes switch 54and the pumping cycle is repeated.

In pumping certain types of meat products, all of the curing fluid isinjected into the vascular system of the piece of meat. In such cases itis unnecessary to employ both valve 31 and valve 38. In such cases it isdesired to pump a definite proportion of curing fluid into the ham orother meat product, for example, 10 per cent. As is apparent, only valve31 would, therefore, be necessary. Solenoid valve 38 is removed from theelectrical control circuit by means of switch |05. Movement of knifeswitch |05 from contact point |04 to switch point |01 opens any possiblecircuit through valve 38 and valve l38 remains inoperative. It isapparent that movement of knife switch |05 from point |04 to point |01does not affect the control or operation of solenoid valve 31. In thisposition of knife switch |05, when switch 54 is closed, current flowsfrom line 51 through conductor 69, switch 54, conductor 10, relay coil1| of relay 6|, conductor 12 to line 58. Energization of relay coil 1|causes relay leaf 60 to be moved from contact point 62 to 14 and relayleaf 13 from stop 15 to contact point 16. Movement of relay leaf 60 fromcontact point 62 to contact point 14 opens the circuit through pilotlight 56, and current flows from line 51 through conductor 59, relayleaf 60, contact point 14, conductor 11, solenoid valve 31, conductor18, conductor 12 to line 58 and thereby causes the solenoid valve 31 toopen. At the same time, pilot light 56 is extinguished by breaking ofthe circuit between relay leaf 60 and contact point 62. Movement ofrelay leaf 13 into contact with contact noid valve 31 remains open aslong as photoelectric cell 33 is darkened. When sufficient curing fluidhas been pumped into the meat on the scale platform, scale pointer 6 andthe attached mirror l 1 move suiliciently to come into position of thefocal point of the optical system of photoelectric unit |1, and light isreflected from light source 34 into photoelectric cell 33. Illuminationof photoelectric cell 33 causes an energization of relay coil 92 ofphotoelectric relay 8|, and relay leaf 93 is moved from stop 94 intocontact with contact leaf 95. When switch 54 is released or opened,current flowing from line 51 through conductor 19, conductor 80, contactpoint 16, relay leaf 13, conductor 81, relay leaf 88, contact point 89,conductor 80, relay coil 1| and conductor 12 to line 58, thereby holdingrelay leaf 60 and relay leaf 13 in contact with contact points 14 and16, respectively. Movement of relay leaf 93 from stop 94 to contact leaf95 causes current to flow from line 51 through conductor 86, conductor91, relay leaf 93, contact leaf 95, conductor 98, relay coil 99 of relay61, and conductor 68 to line 58. Upon energization of relay coil 89,relay leaf 66 and relay leaf 88 are drawn toward the core of relay coil99. Movement of relay leaf 88 from contact point 89 to contact point |00de-energizes relay` coil 1l of relay 6| by opening the circuit from line51 through conductor 19, conductor 80, contact point 16, relay leaf 13of relay 6|, conductor 81, relay leaf 88, contact point 89, conductor90, relay coil 1|, and conductor 12 to line 58. Light source 34 remainsilluminated by current :nowing from line 51 through conductor 18,contact point |00, relay leaf 88, conductor 81, conductor 8|, primary 82of transformer 83, conductor 84, and conductor to line 58. Uponde-energization of relay coil 1|, relay leaf 13 moves from contact point16 to stop 15, the circuit controlling the illumination of the lightsource 34, however, being closed through contact point |00, relay leaf88, and conducto: 81.

Movement of relay leaf 60 from contact point 14 to contact point 62opens the circuit through solenoid valve 31, thereby closing valve 31and arresting the flow of curing pickle te the meat. The simultaneousmovement of relay leaf 66 from contact point 65 to contact point |0|permits current to flow from line 51 through conductor 59, relay leaf60, contact point 62, conductor 68, pilot light 56, conductor 64,conductor |08, switch contact |01, switch |05, conductor |06, contactpoint |0|, relay leaf 66, and conductor 68 to line 58, therebyilluminating the pilot lamp. Illumination of the' pilot lamp 56 servesas an indication to the operator that the pumping cycle or operation hasbeen completed.

As the operator removes the meat from the scale platform. scale pointer6 and the attached mirror 1 again return to the zero position, and thephotoelectric cell 33 becomes darkened. Darkening of photoelectric cell33 causes de-energization of relay coil 92 of photoelectric relay 9|,thereby moving relay leaf 93 from contact 95 to stop 94. This movementof relay leaf 93 opens the circuit from line 51 through conductor 86,conductor 91, relay leaf 93, contact leaf 95, conductor 98, relay coil89, and conductor 68 to line 58, thereby deencrgizing relay coil 99.De-energization of relay coil 99 causes relay leaf 66 .and relay leaf 98to drop to their original positions and the control unit is reset for a,second cycle. Movement of relay leaf 68 from contact point |0| tocontact point 65 has no effect upon the pilot light. The movement ofrelay leaf 88 from contactpoint lI B to contact point 89 opens thecircuit from line 51 through conductor 79, contact point Hill, relayleaf 88. conductor 81. conductor 8|, primary 82 of transformer 83,conductor 84, and conductor 85 to line 58 and thereby extinguishes lightsource 34.

Since the control apparatus is employed under conditions which are veryunfavorable, the elements must be protected from moisture and curingpickle to avoid deterioration. In the use of the device or apparatus inpumping hams, for example, the scale and control device are installed inlocations where the atmosphere is very humid. Switch 54 is preferablymounted in an air tight box having a rubber diaphragm over the switch sothat it may be readily operated. The control unit 36 is contained in awaterproof and vaporproof container having a glass front so that theoperator may observe the operation of the pilot light 56. The scale facehousing d is preferably sealed to prevent entrance of vapors andmoisture, and the control housing S is secured to the scale face housing4 to provide a vaporproof and waterproof seal between the two housings.The front face of housing is preferably provided with a glass frontwhich is also sealed to provide a vaporproof and moistureproof joint.Shafts 2D and 25 project through the housing 8 and into gear box 29 andare provided with suitable sleeves to provide a vaporproof andWaterproof seal to prevent entrance of moisture or water into the scaleface housing. Gear box 29 is also provided with a cover which is tightlyclamped to a rubber gasket to provide a vaporproof and waterproof sealto prevent deterioration of the moving parts.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the inventionhereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed asare indicated in the appended claims.

l. A scale for controlling the amount of pickle to be pumped into a meatproduct including a scale having a weighing system and a load receivingelement; a scale pointer operatively connected to said weighing systemto indicate the weight of the load on said element; a means to injectpickle into the meat on said element including valve means and means toforce the pickle under pressure into the meat; a movable indexingpointer to cooperate with said scale pointer; a movable photoelectricsystem including a light stream for cooperating with the scale pointer;means interconnecting the indexing pointer and the photoelectric systemwhereby the photoelectric system will be advanced ahead of the indexingmeans a predetermined percentage of the movement of the indexing means;actuating means in circuit with said photoelectric system to operatesaid valve means for controlling the admission of pickle to the meatsuch that once the indexing pointer is set to coincide with the initialindication of the scale pointer when the meat is placed on 'the loadreceiving element, the pumping operation may be started and it willcontinue until the scale pointer meets the photoelectric means as weightis added to the meat on the scale whereupon the pumping o! pickle intothe meat is automatically discontinued.

2. A scale for controlling the amount of pickle to be pumped into thevascular system and lean portions of a meat product including a scalehavs ing a weighing system and a load receiving element; a scale pointeroperatively connected to said weighing system to indicate the weight ofvthe load on said element and means to inject pickle into the vascularsystem and lean portion of the meat on said eler'nent including aplurality of valve means; one of said valve means serving to control theow of pickle to the vascular system of the meat and another of saidvalve means serving to control the f'low of pickle to the lean portionof the meat; and means to force the pickle under pressure into thevascular system and lean portions of the meat; a movable indexingpointer to cooperate with said scale pointer; a movable photoelectricsystem' including a light stream for cooperating with the scale pointer;said scale pointer having means thereon for interrupting the lightstream; means interconnecting the indexing pointer and the photoelectricsystem whereby the photoelectric system will be advanced ahead of theindexing means a predetermined percentage of the movement of theindexing means; actuating means in circuit with said photoelectricsystem to operate said valve means for controlling the admission ofpickle to the meat such that once the indexing pointer is set tocoincide with the initial indication of the scale pointer when the-meatis placed on the load receiving element, a pumping operation may bestarted to pump pickle into the vascular system l of the meat which willcontinue until the scale pointer interrupts the light stream whereupon'the valve means controlling the admission of pickle to the vascularsystem is out oi and a second valve means is opened to permit thepumping of the pickle to the lean portion of the meat, and when themeans carried on the scale pointer moves out of the light stream, thepumping of pickle into the lean portion will be discontinued.

3. In a system for pumping a pickling fluid into a meat, a scale havinga weighing system and weight indicating means, indexing means associatedwith said scale, control means cooperating with said indexing means,said control -means being driven from said indexing means such that itwill be advanced a predetermined percentage ahead of the indexing meansas the indexing means is moved to its initial setting, means to supplypickling fluid under pressure to said meat, said pickling deliveringmeans including valve means and a plurality of flexible fluid pipeconnections between the valve means and the meat, means to selectivelyposition the valve means to cause the delivery of pickle into one ofsaid hose connections whereby either one hose or the other may be placedin operation to deliver the fluid to the meat, said control means beingresponsive to said weight indicating means whereby the valve means iscut off after a predetermined additional percentage of weight has beenadded to the meat on the scale.

4. In a machine for pumping a meat product with a pickling fluid, thecombination of a pair of solenoid actuated valves for controlling thepumping of iluid to the vascular system and lean portion of the meatrespectively, a relay for establishing a circuit to cause said valvecontrolling the ow of fluid to the vascular system of the meat to bedriven to open position as long as said relay is energized, means toestablish a circuit through vsaid relay for holding it energized, saidholding circuit including a second and normally rie-energized relay andmeansv including a photoelectric system and a third relay to break saidholding circuit and to establish a circuit through said normallyde-energized relay when the vascular system has been filled, said secondrelay completing a circuit through the solenoid of said other valve whenit is energized to cause saidl other valve to be moved to open position,said second relay becoming de-energized when said photoelectric systemfunctions again and said third relay is returned to its normal positionwhereupon said'other valve is closed.

5. A scale for use during a meat pickle pumping operation having incombination a weighing system, a meat receiving element, and a movablescale pointer operatively connected to said weighlng system, a movableindexing means cooperating with the scale pointer, inter-geared means todrive the indexing means around the scale dial, said inter-geared meansincluding a drive for iinparting rapid movement to the indexing means,one of the gears of said drive being rotatably fixed to a shaft, meansfor rotatably adjusting said gear with respect to said shaft to impart arelatively slow .movement to the indexing pointer, said indexing meansincluding an indexing pointer cooperating With the scale pointer and asecond indexing pointer connected to said other indexing pointer throughsaid inter-geared drive so that their relative movements are related,and pickle pumping means to force pickle into the meat, said trol meansbeing operative so that after the' pumping operation has been initiatedthe control means Will discontinue the. pumping operation after thescale pointer meets the second indexing pointer.

CHARLES T. WALTER.

